Love Struck and Sick of It

Touring Spring 2025

If you have ever tried to say something important to somebody you care for, and had everything go horribly wrong for reasons you can't explain, here are four stories you'll relate to.

We get it: when we think of Anton Chekhov we don't really think of fast-moving and hilarious comedies. But apart from being widely regarded as one of the greatest ever playwrights, many of Chekhov's short stories are frenetic, frantic and very funny. The four short plays presented here are full of misunderstandings, mishaps, and plans falling to pieces. 

The Evils of Tobacco

Marcellus Nyukhin has agreed to present a scientific lecture tonight, all about how harmful tobacco is and why we should abstain. Well, actually, his wife has agreed that he will present the lecture, so here he is.

Unfortunately, Nyukhin has far more on his mind than tobacco, and as he tries to keep the evening on track it becomes clear that he is far more harmful to himself than nicotine will ever be. 

The Bear

As Elena Popova mourns her late husband, she has sworn to remain faithful to him for the rest of her life, despite knowing that he was... unreliable. 

When a rude and hot-headed visitor arrives to urgently collect a debt owed by the deceased man, Popova is having none of it. A heated argument ensues, resulting in the widow and her visitor accidentally challenging each other to a duel to the death.

A Reluctant Tragic Hero

Tolkachov drops in to visit his friend, Murashkin, taking a short break between performing his long list of chores for the day. Tolkachov actually just wants to complain about how everybody continuously loads him with very important jobs, sure that Murashkin is just the sort to offer some much needed kindness and sympathy. Or so he thinks.

The Proposal

Lomov and Natalya are in love, and Natalya's father is delighted to learn that Lomov intends to propose to his daughter.

Lomov is nervous, an over-thinker, and prone to becoming distracted by small details. Natalya is strong-willed and always speaks her mind. What could possibly go wrong?

Love Struck and Sick of It is touring between March 2025 and May 2025.

Running Time: 2 acts, 120 minutes including a 20 minute interval.

The company comprises three actors and one touring crew member. 

Venue sound and LX required, Mild Peril crew can operate both.

Full marketing and publicity support is provided to compliment venue activity.

Please contact Simon at office@mildperiltheatre.co.uk for touring information and availability.